Here We Go Again

We knew the pitching would be suspect, but all along we figured they'd at least catch the ball and hit a ton. Not so.

Through nine games the Phillies' fielding has been atrocious. Last night they committed four more errors, two by backup shortstop Eric Bruntlett (making his debut), one by Chase Utley, his third of the season, and another by Carlos Ruiz, his second this year. The sloppy play killed them and the Mets scored eight runs on a mere five hits and nine walks, six of them courtesy of starter Kyle Kendrick. With each outing Kendrick more and more resembles the inexperienced hurler he is. His line for the night was four hits and those six free passes in 2.1 innings. Little matter that only one of the seven runs he yielded was earned; he hardly did himself much credit.

Meanwhile, the alleged offensive juggernaut managed two runs. Three of the starting eight position players -- Ryan Howard, Carlos Ruiz and Shane Victorino -- are hitting below the Mendoza line. A fourth, Pedro Feliz, sits right on the line.

The Phillies look like a tentative team in every facet of their game. One third of the way through the cruelest month, their record reflects that quality.